Lead AST, Aerospace Vehicle Design and Mission Analysis

$123,014 - $159,921/Yr

John F Kennedy Space Center

Part-time,Full-time - Senior

Onsite

About the position

The Lead Flight Design Engineer will oversee the Flight Design team within the Flight Dynamics Branch of NASA's Launch Services Program. This role involves providing technical oversight and independent analysis of launch vehicle and spacecraft flight mechanics, as well as trajectory design and optimization for both crewed and robotic missions. The engineer will coordinate tasks, prioritize projects, and mentor other engineers, ensuring compliance with system-level requirements and mission success.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, coordination, and control of planning, organizing, prioritizing, and implementing tasks associated with commercial launch vehicle trajectory and mission design.
• Perform detailed design, analysis, and optimization of launch vehicle trajectories in support of NASA's crewed and robotic missions.
• Develop mission-specific trajectory-related requirements and interface with commercial launch service providers to ensure these requirements are met.
• Interface with other analysis disciplines and the broader Launch Services Program technical team to ensure system-level requirements compliance and mission success.
• Support the Launch Services Program Engineering Review Board process as a supporting engineer and/or presenter when required.
• Participate in internal technical peer reviews as both a presenter and reviewer.
• Pursue opportunities to improve analytical tools, methods, and processes relevant to launch vehicle trajectory design.
• Continuously grow and improve launch vehicle trajectory design and analysis capabilities within the Flight Dynamics Branch through independent effort and as a mentor to colleagues.
• Foster a culture of engagement, diversity, inclusiveness, excellence, and innovation.
• Champion NASA's commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility to create an environment that promotes a commitment to safety, integrity, and teamwork.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in aerospace vehicle atmospheric flight and/or orbital mechanics and trajectory design/optimization.
• Experience communicating with technical colleagues, program/project management, customers, and/or suppliers regarding aerospace vehicle trajectory design/optimization.
• Leadership and/or mentoring experience as part of a team providing trajectory/mission design support to systems-level aerospace projects.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.